Lot 9503: Space Shuttle Columbia Flown Insulator Piece

Lot 9503: Available to US bidders only. Flown large insulator piece last flown on Space Shuttle Columbia mission STS-94, July 1–17, 1997, 16 x 15, lengthily signed and flight-certified in black felt tip by astronaut Donald Thomas, "An important part of a great spaceship that made my journeys as a Shuttle Columbia astronaut possible; Flow hi-temp. insulator from STS-65, 83, & 94. Over 13.8 million miles in space after 550 Earth orbits in 34+ days! Donald Thomas, Mission Specialist 4/3." Includes the original parts tag, identifying the piece as a "Fwd insulator" removed from "OV102" to be scrapped. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted space collector Ken Havekotte, noting that this was potentially installed in the Columbia as early as its first flight in 1981. A superb oversized piece with excellent provenance.
RR Auction's Space and Aviation Auction 463
Thursday, 22nd October 2015
Estimate: $300-500